NEW YORK -- Curtis Martin played for the Patriots and the Jets, which makes him one of the few people in this world willing to admit he has a rooting interest in both rival franchises.

Saturday, as Martin entered Radio City Music Hall for the NFL's awards show, the Hall of Fame running back was asked to assess the direction in which he thought the Jets were headed.

The Jets went 8-8 in 2013, with rookie quarterback Geno Smith starting all 16 games. While they missed the playoffs for a third straight season, they did exceed expectations, and the front office decided to retain Rex Ryan as the team's head coach.

Martin, whose 14,101 career rushing yards ranks fourth all-time in NFL history, was cautiously optimistic about the Jets' current state of affairs.

"I think they're rebuilding, but I think that they're developing," Martin said. "I'm glad that Rex is staying because I think he has the experience, he knows these guys, and I think he's the one who can get to the end goal the fastest."